Paper Canteen Creations

Friday Challenge at Dilly Beans

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Oooooooooooooo swoon!! Valentine's Day is in the air!! It's my very favorite holiday and I love all of the gorgeous embellishments, colors, papers, designs, etc that are abound right now!!

This week's challenge at Dilly Beans is 'Zombie Love'! Cute, huh? I've used a sweet and not so scary zombie image #242- Dunce Cap Zombie with Heart.

I printed the image four times. Once on white Copic Xpress Blending cardstock and three more times on designer paper. I paper piece the frame, hair, hat, neck and heart. I colored the rest with my Copics. I always color first and piece after. I did a bit of stitching and used some quick and sweet Valentine's Day embellishments to finish my card off.

I hope you come join us over at Dilly Beans for this fun challenge!!

And don't forget I have a fantastic blog candy give away going on right here!! I hope that you'll join in on the fun!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

So excited to be an ODD GIRL!!!

2012-02-02T00:00:00.035-05:00

Yes...you're reading it correctly!! I've officially been asked to join the Odd Girl Design Team for the next term!! WOO HOO! I'm so crazy excited!! I've been holding it in for a bit now and it's been killing me! LOL! I'm honored to be chosen among such wonderful talent. Kristy has both amazing digital and acrylic stamps. Her images are sweet, sassy and oh so fun! To celebrate this exciting announcement I've created a card, using Suave Kody, that I tucked into my son's lunchbox today.

I used a mish mash of papers from a scrap box that I've been trying to get through as I have no more room in all of my color coordinated scrap drawers! (gasp!) I have paper pieced his outfit and shoes. He is colored with Copics which I did before piecing his clothing. My sentiment on the front is from the acrylic Lovey Tobie set.

I also finished the interior using three hearts from Lovey Tobey and Nutsy Kaylee.

Once again, I am just thrilled to be an Odd Girl!!

Thanks for coming by today!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Do You Smash?

2012-02-01T12:00:00.002-05:00

Do you Smash? I know, it sounds like a personal question of one variation or another but really...it's journaling perfection. For years, I've been searching for a way to keep all of the bits of things, papers, tickets, random loose photos, napkin drawings, clothing tags that look cool...(I know I'm not the only one who does this!;) at bay. However, they are not at bay. They are loose and everywhere. Filling boxes, junk drawers, and old purses to the brim. (I'm so NOT a hoarder! ;)

Well...insert Smash. I picked one up (did I mention my Journaling Addiction?...guess not) while shopping with a friend before the holidays. Well, I actually picked two up which happened to come in very handy when I needed a last minute gift! And I've been playing with it ever since.

I love the idea of mixed media journaling. Could I make one of these books myself? Yes, of course. But there's something just 'easy' about having it already done. I love blank journals and own tons of them but the different images, designer papers, and beautiful colors that are inside of the Smash books is just wonderful. There are different color bindings, cover images as well as a different theme for each interior. The only thing I don't like is that they are spiral bound which means that you can't add to them. But on the flip side, if they were three ring bound I'd probably stuff too much into them so having them limit me is probably for the best! LOL! The books come in full size which is roughly 8" x 10" and a mini which is about 6" x 7" or so. They all come with a pen/glue stick combo that has a wonderful elastic band to hold it together with the journal. (sweet!)

I've also acquired a beginning kit from Project Life. But I'll save that for another post considering mine is STILL in the box! For me, I'm scattered. I do my best to keep it all together and I think I do a pretty darn good job but when it comes to things like journaling and scrapbooking - things I LOVE but just don't/can't make the time for these kit style systems are just perfect!

I hope you have enjoyed the pics of all the things that I have Smashed! Right now it has a few pieces of art that my kids have made. It's the perfect place for me to cherish and save them safely!!

Awesome Smash date stamp

Fabulous Smash pads

I'll be back with more Smashing soon!! Thanks for popping by!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

MFT Weekly Stamp Club and New Challenges

2012-01-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

Greetings friends!! It was a busy weekend here in my house. Both kiddos had respective illnesses so I was totally glued to the house. But I do try to make the best of it all and allow myself to get extra crafty when these things happen. One of the crafty things I did was create for this week's great MFT sketch MFTWSC56! Here is the sketch:

Ya, it's super cute, right??!?! SO fun!!! Here's my interpretation:

I've used designer papers from Pink Paislee from their Vintage Vogue line. The cardbase is Bazzill cardstock. I used SU and PTI inks for my sentiment which is from MFT's Clearly Sentimental About Family set. I used the beautiful Fleur De Lis stamps from MFT's Who's That Parisian Girl to embellish the Fishtail Banner pennant that I created using this technique.

For my embellishments, I added lots of stitching, some gorgeous vintage inspired buttons from Pink Paislee, purple baker's twine, some floral stick pins and a small, resin flower from Michael's.

One of my goals is to try to enter more challenges. So I am also entering this into the following challenges:

My Crafty Spot - Anything Goes
Heart Song Inspirations - Buttons or Brads
Art With No Boundaries - All You Need Is Love
Victorine Stamps - Anything Goes
Hooked On Craft Challenges - Something Bright
Crafty Cardmakers - Beads
Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Things You Love

Thanks SO much for popping by!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Paper Canteen Valentine's Day Blog Candy!!!

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Paper Canteen friends and readers!! I do hope you all had a wonderful weekend!! We had a lot of indoor time unfortunately, due to my darling babies both suffering through respective illnesses. Ya, it was one of those weekends. But, I try to always make the best of being 'stuck' indoors at times like those. So I was able to delve into my crafty 'to-do' list and gather all of the wonderful goodies that I've been meaning to put together into some Valentine's Day Blog Candy just for you!!

I simply love Valentine's Day just because it's fun. It's pretty, it's sweet, it's creative and it's simply DELICIOUS!! Lots of fun sweet treats, pretty colors, fun images and just loveliness all around.

I'm asking three things from you in order for you to be entered for this huge Blog Candy drawing.

1. Add this picture below to your side bar along with a link to this post. (I'm looking to get to at least 500 followers)

2. If you aren't already, become a Paper Canteen follower - just click "Join This Site" on the right side bar.

3. Tell me one or any of the following:

NOTE: If you answer one question you will be entered one time. If you answer two questions you will be entered two times and if you respond to all three you will be entered into this drawing three times which increases your chances to win for sure!! =)

Video/Photo tutorial you'd like to see from me?
Ask A Crafty Question?
Tell Me Your Favorite Places To Participate In Challenge(s) and why?

So what do I have in return for you? It's a lot so here goes!!

2 - Queen Kat Designs single stamps (never inked)
6 - Queen Kat Designs full stamp sets (never inked)
3 - Our Craft Lounge full stamp sets (never inked)
1 - The Cats Pajamas full stamp sets (two stamps have been inked one time)
1 - Basic Grey 6x6 - Kissing Booth Valentine's Day Paper Pack
1 - 10 pack K&Company red, sparkly clothes pins
1 - 56 piece pack Recollections brand white self-adhesive pearls
1 - scalloped edged alterable mini book
1 - 4x4 canvas panel
1 - alterable magnetic notepad
1 - 12x12 photo album - baseball theme
1 - 8.5x8.5 K&Company photo album - dance theme
1 - 9x9 Making Memories photo album - baby theme

Because a large prize pack like this is hard to photograph in total I've taken pictures of everything for you to see:
*Two QKD Singles:

*Six QKD Full Stamp Sets:

(I don't have the print sheet for this one or the packaging - but it has never been inked - Sentiments Included in the Geisha Set:

Peaceful Feelings

Live For Today

A Gift For You

Joy

*Three Our Craft Lounge full stamp sets:

Summer Beach Set

(

Christmas Under The Sea

*One The Cat's Pajamas full set:

(Believe In Elves and Be Merry and Bright - have been inked one time but are very clean)

One Basic Grey 6x6 - Kissing Booth Valentine's Day Paper Pack

One 10 pack K&Company red, sparkly clothes pins

One 56 piece pack Recollections brand white self-adhesive pearls:

One scalloped edged alterable mini book, one 4x4 canvas panel, alterable magnetic notepad:

One 12x12 photo album - baseball theme, one 8.5 x 8.5 K&Company photo album - dance theme, one 9x9 Making Memories photo album - baby girl theme:

Please leave your response to one (or more) of the three questions above in the comments section along with a way to contact you. If I can't contact you then I can't get you your prize! =)

I will draw one winner at random on Valentine's Day - Tuesday, February 14th!!

Thanks so much for supporting Paper Canteen! Wishing you all good luck!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Paper and Such - A Fun And Simple Creation

2012-01-26T00:00:00.002-05:00

Greetings Paper and Such Fans! I'm here with you today to bring you a sweet and simple card using a newly released set from Paper and Such called Bitty Love.

I snipped apart the sentiment 'you rule!' from the ruler itself.

I then stamped the ruler five times using black Momento ink and then took the sentiment and stamped it inside the ruler image. I then very carefully trimmed them out and added a micro-brad to each one. I pulled out some of my very favorite teacher paper, matted with yellow cardstock. I stitched around the edges and added it to my skinny Kraft cardbase. My cardbase measures 5.5"x3". I adhered my rulers with three dimensional foam adhesive for some added oomph! I tied a nice fluffy bow using red Grosgrain stitched ribbon and voila...my card front was done.

For my interior, I used simple graph paper - yes, the kind you can buy at your local office supply store. I stamped it with another amazing sentiment from this set. I then stamped another ruler image to tie it in with the card front. I again, matted my paper with bright yellow cardstock and adhered it all together.

I hope you've enjoyed my simple and fun creation!

Thanks for coming by!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Bombshell Stamps Blog Hop - Ring In The New

2012-01-25T00:00:00.003-05:00

Greetings Luscious Bombshell Fans!! So glad you're here today hopping with us! Hopefully you've hopped here from my dear friend Mary's blog and if you haven't please start your hopping experience right here!

I've made a creation using the following SCS challenge as my muse. So that's one of my "new" things is trying to incorporate some SCS challenges into my creating schedule. And if you check out the challenge you'll see that it's an inspiration challenge based on Belleek Pottery. I'd never heard of it before so it was very interesting to learn about as well as inspiring!!!

Here is the creation that I made. It's a birthday card for my Dad's upcoming birthday!

I used this technique to capture the cool texture in the background. I inked up Homeward Bound and had THE BEST TIME coloring in and practicing my shading.

After coloring my image I matted it with some blue DP and stitched around the edges anchoring the corners with small silver brads.

I stitched my background down, added a navy blue Grosgrain ribbon tied into a knot and anchoring it (lol! no pun intended) with a mini clothespin. I added a few floating pearls on the top left and bottom right corners for extra detailing.

Thanks so much for popping in today!! Glad you're hopping along! Now off you go to the amazingly fabulous Cheryl's blog! She is an AMAZING artist and will WOW you for SURE!!!

Thanks, in advance, for any comments and love!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Paper and Such Design Challenge

2012-01-24T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends!! Welcome to another awesome Paper and Such challenge. For this week's challenge we are sponsoring The Ribbon Carousel! That's right, double sponsorship for this challenge! There is a P&S Gift Certificate for one lucky winner!

We are challenging you to create a Valentine with non-traditional colors. Think it's easy? Well...I know that I definitely struggled a bit with this one! I went to my mix and match scrap bin, as opposed to going to the scrap bins that I have organized by color, and just stuck my hand in and pulled something out.

Here is my creation using the random scrap that I started with:

The sparkly plaid is the piece that I grabbed at random. So I started with that as my jumping off point. But before I continue, I must say that my inspiration for this card shape as well as the circular layer came from my darling friend Joanne. She's a constant source of inspiration for me and many others.

I used corrugated cardboard to add to my circular layer and then a bit of zig zag stitching underneath the beautiful sentiment from THIS set. It's one of my very favorite quotes of all time. I stamped it on watercolor paper with black Momento ink.

I layered the background papers, stitched around the edges and added corner brads. I chose a piece of chipboard, coated it in Brilliance Rocket Red ink - which actually looks orange/gold when inked, coated in clear embossing powder and heat set. I added some Tim Holtz tape onto some light blue cardstock and backed my chipboard panel for added dimension.

To my main panel, I added a dangling, metal rimmed tag onto which I added a steampunk-esque metal embellishment with a copper brad. Lastly I added three loops of Grosgrain light blue ribbon to my main layer and adhered it on with three dimensional foam adhesive.

To complete the interior, I used more random scraps combined with my Sweet Stack Die from MFT. I used my Wild Rose stamp to embellish my center panel.

I anchored the sides with two tiny copper brads. I stitched the edges and adhered everything down.

I do hope you come join us for this super fun challenge!! Thanks so much for popping by today!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Dilly Beans Challenge - Feeling Blue?

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday!! Today I'm bringing you another new challenge over at Dilly Beans! This week's challenge is BLUES! I have a friend who has been a bit 'blue' lately so I made this just for her! I printed out image #200 - Cheekie four times. Once onto my Neena white cardstock, then again on solid blue stock, and two different basic grey patterned papers. I paper pieced her hair, cheeks and bows. I colored the rest with my Copics (I colored her first, of course, THEN paper pieced!)

As you can see, I've trimmed her out entirely and popped her up onto foam adhesive. I used a mish mash of papers from my blue scrap bin. Some is SU!, some is from an old matte stack and the rest were just scraps.

I used my MFT Oval Dainty Doily as the focal point for the interior of my card as well as a good place to write my note!

As my muse, I've used the Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge right HERE!

I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired to create with us at Dilly Beans!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club - Strawberry Sweetie

2012-01-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

Hi MFT fans!! I'm playing along again this week (as I hope to every week!) in the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club! The sketch this week is INSANELY cute!!

I went a *little* rogue and flipped the sketch to suit my needs. I was really wanting to ink up my sweet PI - Berry Sweet as I hadn't had a chance to during the last release...GASP! (*wink!)

Here is my interpretation. As you can see, I flipped the sketch 90 degrees and added a tag in lieu of a layer. I stamped my tag - from my Tag You're It Stamp Set with an old SU! strawberry, using Versamark Ink and clear embossing powder to heat set it. All papers are from Fancy Pants Designs except a bit here and there of scrap that was on my desk. I pieced her sweet little dress and collar separately . Her shoes are coated in Glossy Accents for extra shimmer.

I used my Fringed Perennials Die-Namics to create my felt flowers in both red and blue. The felt is from PTI and it's LUSCIOUS. I layered and stitched and added three different colors of baker's twine to the top of the tag in a fun and fluffy bow.

I kept the interior sweet and simple.

I hope you come join us over at SCS!!

Thanks for coming by today!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Bombshell Montly Challenge - Tags

2012-01-18T09:26:00.003-05:00

Good morning Bombshell fans!! Today we're playing along with Ms. January's challenge right here on the Bombshell Forum. The challenge is "Let's Play Tag!". So I've created a fun tag using my new Homeward Bound stamp set.

I've used the compass image from the set, inked in three different Distress Inks - Pumice stone (tanish), Gathered Twigs (rusty brown), Chipped Sapphire (blue) stamped onto watercolor paper. Once stamped, I spritzed the paper twice at close range with Pearlized Water to give it a subtle shimmer. I then punched them out and coated them in Crackle Glaze. After dry, I inked the edges with an ink blending tool and embellished the center with a resin flower from Recollections.

The tag is also from Recollections and I've used a bunch of scrap that I had lying around to create the background. I tore some with my hands to give it a rough look and other pieces I trimmed off. I stitched the center with a zig zag stitch as well as a straight stitch. Before I added my cracked images I washed the entire tag and background papers with my Picket Fence Distress Stain. I added a tiny clothespin and my PTI twill ribbon and was happy!

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired!!

Thanks for coming by today!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club - Happy 30th

2012-01-15T10:27:00.001-05:00

Hey All!! I am playing along again this week at the MFT Weekly Stamp Club this time creating a card for my darling brother who turns 30 today!! We had a super fun celebration yesterday at my house with family and friends to celebrate this wonderful occasion. I knew I wanted to use Clearly Sentimental - Journey as my main focal point for this creation.

I used mostly papers from Basic Grey and cardstock from Bazzill and PTI. I did add a bit of extra layering using my Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namics (the mustache paper). In lieu of the pennant element, I used my Mix and Match Banners Die-namics to create a panel to put the 30 from the Who's That Birthday Girl set.

I hope you can come play along with this fantastic sketch and come see all of the beautiful inspiration right here in the SCS gallery.

Thanks for popping in today!

Happy Sunday!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Bombshell Tutorial - Scrappy Journal

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Bombshells!! I'm here today to show you a super fast and easy way to make a fun journal. I've seen these recently in my LSS and decided that I could SO easily make one on my own. All you need is scrap paper - which we ALL have - and a sturdy manila folder, thin cardboard, or really heavy cardstock for your cover. My cover is an old manila style folder trimmed down to 12" x 9.75" when fully open.

I didn't do much thinking for my interior papers - I quite literally grabbed what has been left out during my creative processes all week long.

I then trimmed all of my papers to be the same width - 11"- so that none of them hung outside of my cover. The papers, however, do not all have to be the same height, that's actually part of the charm when you see the interior.

Now to start the binding process. I scored each of my papers directly at 5.5" so that they would all line up perfectly together. I then used my tape runner to lightly adhere each layer before sewing.

I then made sure all of my papers were where I liked them before hitting the sewing machine.

I then folded them and holding them tightly, moved them all back and forth to make the paper a bit more malleable. But I also wanted to make sure that everything was held tight before stitching it. I didn't want anything shifting during the sewing process.

I opened the pages of my Scrappy Journal, laid them inside of the manila cover and faced them inside up on my sewing machine. I ran a standard straight stitch right down the middle twice to create the binding.

And it comes out looking like this! So fun!! It's fabulous to put memorabilia in, doodles, photos, ticket stubs, etc.

I strongly recommend using solid cardstock and double sided designer paper. That way there is something fabulous to look at, doodle on or stick to no matter what side you are working on.

I finished it off VERY simply with some purple baker's twine and my "Homeward Bound" sentiment stamp from the Homeward Bound stamp set.

Have a great and crafty weekend all!!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Dilly Beans Challenge - Frosty

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Friday friends! It's Friday so you know that I'm bringing you another Dilly Beans creation for this week's challenge. The challenge theme this week is Frosty! My first inclination was to lean towards one of Megan's many awesome snowman designs but then I decided to change it up a bit and use the Rosie Posie Bunch to switch things up a bit.

I started by creating my super fun green distressed tag. I used my Distress Inks in Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint. I took the pads and added the ink to my tag directly. I then sprayed it with two mists of my Perfect Pearls mixture and then I opened the bottle to flick larger dots of water onto the ink. If you've ever worked with Distress Inks then you know how well they groove with water and the super cool textures you can create. I used my heat gun to quickly dry the tag.

I printed my image out twice. I colored it entirely with my Copics. I then colored the flowers with my white Copics, ran it image side down through my Xyron, and then burnished it with my white, Martha Stewart, ultra fine glitter. I added a bit of bling and attached the entire flower piece using foam adhesive.

I added some fabulous ribbon and bakers twine to finish off the top and I used an MFT sentiment to the bottom. I plan on attaching this to a "get well" care package for a friend of mine who just underwent surgery. I made a delicious batch of Chicken and Matzoh Ball Soup and will deliver it hopefully tomorrow!

I hope you enjoy and have been inspired to come create with us!

Big Crafty Hugs!!
Meredith

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-01-12T00:00:00.004-05:00

Greetings MFT fans! I'm here today to bring you my interpretation of this week's sketch!

I've been really jonesing to get back into my original path of scrapbooking. I started scrapbooking many years ago and then over the years it changed form and eventually led to card making which totally sucked me in! Love it. But I have wonderful pictures...so.many.pictures. that I want to use and display and share. So...back to scrapbooking! At least making a more concerted effort to include it in my daily creating. So, without further ado, here is the 8x8 layout I've created using the sketch above:

This is a pic of my delicious, chubby and scrumptious (I'm just a little smitten, no? ;) son when he was a little older than 5 months old. YUM!!! He's now almost 6 years old and I've yet to get to his baby book! So I'm just jumping in! I followed the sketch..mostly. I used my MFT Mini Pennants Die-namics and PTI felt to create the pennant flag. I purposefully angled the flags a bit haphazardly with wonky stitching. I used the same trick that I showed you HERE to create the long pennant flagpole.

I picked Claire Keay's Little Loveosaurus stamp set which I stamped, colored with my Copics and then paper pieced. I placed my sentiment onto bright turquoise cardstock cut using my Bracket Tab Die-namics.

What you can't see in the photo is that I coated the Bracket Tab with Versamark Ink (after I stamped my sentiment) and then coated it with clear embossing powder. I heat set it so that it looks super shiny. It added a great high gloss effect. I could have used Glossy Accents but decided to go the embossing powder route instead for this project.

I had a blast mixing and matching my G45, American Crafts and Bazzill papers. This was a great sketch and a fabulous way to get back into my scrapbooking!!

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired to come play along with this amazing sketch right HERE!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Bombshell Sketch Challenge

2012-01-11T00:00:00.004-05:00

Greetings Bombshell Fans! I'm here today bringing you our first sketch challenge of 2012! And what a great sketch it is. I do hope you can come play along with us over at the Bombshell Challenge Blog. Feel free to use the sketch as it suits your creative needs! You will see that in my creation today I've removed the bottom panels as my sparkly, embossed image commanded a lot of attention and I didn't want anything to compete with it.

I've used the awesome King Of The Road hot rod set. I stamped my image using Brilliance Ink in Champagne. I then coated it with bronze embossing powder and heat set. I colored the rest of the image in with my Copics. I followed the sketch *mostly* as I stated above leaving out the squares at the bottom and replacing them with my sentiment.

I kept my interior easy and simple! This one is definitely going to be tucked into my darling son's lunchbox!

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you over at the Challenge Blog!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Paper and Such Challenge

2012-01-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

Greetings Friends! I'm here with you today with a new Paper and Such challenge. This week it's an Inspiration Color challenge based on this photo:

Here is my interpretation:

As you can see I've used the newly released Wild Rose set. I used my Spellbinders and MFT Die-namics to cut my oval layer as well as the oval doily behind my main image - which is cut using corrugated cardboard. I stamped the image using Momento ink. I then went in with my Sage Shadow SU! ink and double stamped the interior of the flowers twice. I then colored the rest of the image with my Copics. I used Glossy Accents over my second set of flowers and let it dry overnight. I then trimmed it out and popped it up using foam adhesive.

The rest of the exterior of my card was created using one of my favorite G45 paper packs - ABC Primer. I added flowers that I made using PTI felt, MM brads and MFT Die-namics.

I kept my interior simple with enough room for a message to be written. I hope you come join us over at Paper and Such for this beautiful inspiration challenge. If you play along you have the chance to win a $10 P&S gift card! See you there!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Paper and Such - New Release Blog Hop

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Greetings all! I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend! I took the weekend off from blogging and spent time with the kiddies and my darling husband FINALLY doing the finishing clean up from the holidays. But I did, as always, manage to squeeze in some much needed creative time to prepare for today's fabulous Paper and Such Release! There are three adorable sets that are on sale right now in the Paper and Such Stamps section of the store.

If you have stopped by just to say hi then HI! I know you'll want to start at the beginning of this fantastic hop, at the, Paper and Such Design Blog, to see all the gorgeous creations and have a chance at winning all three stamp sets being released today! All you have to do is comment along the way and you will be entered into a drawing to win the full release! Easy peasy!

If you are hopping along with us then you should have come her by way of Kendra's beautiful blog! If not, see above and start hopping along! (wink!)

Today I've used the new Tree Graffiti set. All patterned papers on the exterior of my card are from Crate Paper - Paper Hearts collection. I stamped my image using Momento ink. I used an MFT Die-namics to cut out my tag. I colored in the sweet ladybug and hearts on the tree with my Copic markers. I then stamped the tree again and trimmed out the 'you & me' and popped it up onto foam adhesive.

I added some stitching and some gingham ribbon to give it a bit of a country touch. My interior was kept sweet and simple. I did snip apart my sentiment (gasp!) to make it fit the cloud Die-namics that I've snuggled in there nicely. The polka dot paper is from SU!.

Oh I just love those polka dots! Ok all! That's all for me today! Thanks for hopping along with us and thank you in advance for your kind comments! They always make me smile.

Now, off you go to the wonderful Stephanie's blog!

Hoping you have enjoyed and been inspired!

Big Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Dilly Beans Challenge - Winter Wonderland

2012-01-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday friends!! Today I'm bringing you a new challenge over at the Dilly Beans Challenge blog. The theme this week is Winter Wonderland! I do hope you can come play with us! My creation today uses such a sweet new image - #329 - Top Hat Snowman.

I've colored him with my Copics and paper pieced his scarf as well as the band on his top hat. I then coated his hat and carrot nose with Glossy Accents and let it dry overnight.

I used all white embellishments starting with sparkly white cardstock for my base. Then another layer of the same cardstock popped up on foam adhesive. I used white, sparkly felt, self-adhesive stickers to create the background. I placed the snowflakes all over my cardstock hanging off the edges in order to get the placement just right. I trimmed off any excess to keep it looking crisp. I then used a ledger card cut with my Wonky Scallop Die-namic as well as a bundling of die cut snowflakes held together with a white brad as my accents. I used a sentiment from MFT stamped in Momento Ink and cut out with my SU! word punch.

I do hope you come visit and play along with us right HERE!

Crafty Hugs!

Meredith

Paper and Such Sneak Peeks - Wild Rose!

2012-01-05T00:00:00.022-05:00

Good Morning All! Popping in today with another sneak peak of a new set, Wild Rose, being released at Paper and Such next Monday, January 9th. I've stamped my image (I did this twice) - first the outline in Momento then the interior in Victorian Velvet Distress Ink. I then coated one of the images in Glossy Accents with a tiny sprinkle of glitter on top and let it dry overnight. I trimmed it out and popped it up onto the first image giving it great dimension. I used this weeks MFT sketch as my muse combining lots of bling, stitching and a satiny ribbon to finish it off.

I added my sentiment on the interior. The stacked dies are from MFT the back most of which is actually Chocolate Chip cardstock from SU! even though it looks black in the photo. I will be back this weekend with another sneak peek!!

With many wintery Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

Paper and Such Sneak Peeks - Bitty Love!

2012-01-04T12:10:00.005-05:00

Greetings friends!! I'm thrilled to be here with you sneak peeking the upcoming new releases for Paper and Such. There are three new sets being released next Monday, January 9th.

Today I'm sneaking a super cute set called Bitty Love that will be PERFECT for all of the sweet Valentine's in your life. This upcoming set has adorable images, fun sentiments with simple and crisp lines that make creating a snap!

I am using just one of four images and sentiments today keeping my card crisp and colorful. I stamped the adorable apple with Momento ink and colored my image with my Copics. I trimmed it out and added it to my card front using papers from MME.

I stamped my sentiment on the interior balancing the chevron paper with the clean and simple circular layer. Wait till you see the rest of the set! So cute!!

Thanks so much for popping by today! I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired!!

With many wintery Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-01-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hello All!! Popping in with this week's fantastic MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club sketch! Oh there really is nothing better than working from a sketch, no? It jump starts you when you simply can't find that...oomph! KWIM? I pulled out a brand new 6x6 Echo Park paper pack as well to inspire me!

I have used the brand new Clearly Sentimental About Romance as my focal point as I am behind on a few wedding cards so I knew this would be PERFECT for it! I kept this simple and sweet as I have a bunch to make and I really, REALLY don't like mass producing cards. LOL!

I hope you had a great time at last night's release party!! It's always such a blast.

Thanks, as always, for popping by!

With many wintery Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things - New Product Tour

2012-01-03T22:00:00.012-05:00

Oh happy day!!! Yes, it's here, it's finally here! Shopping time!! WOO HOO! First, I want to thank you all for your amazingly kind and sweet comments this week and month during my time as Guest Designer! It's been a smashingly fabulous time!!

For tonight's New Product Tour I've created with the oh so sweet Pure Innocence - I Love You This Big set. I've created a card to tuck into my son's lunchbox tomorrow as he heads back to school!

My patterned papers are all from Authentique - Splendid collection. I stamped onto Xpress cardstock and colored him with my Copics. I then paper pieced his outfit, heart and hands to ensure the proper dimensional look. If the layout looks familiar, it should as it's from last week's MFTWSC52 sketch! Love this one and I'm sure I'll be using it lots in the future! I used my Nesties to cut the oval and snuggled it on top of the Oval Dainty Doily Die-namic.

There's just something about red and turquoise that makes me totally smile! I've used the faux chipboard tip that I shared with you this morning to place my sentiment using the Bracket Tab Die-namic.

Is that not THE sweetest sentiment or WHAT!?? =) Love!!

I kept my interior simple and sweet using the new Layered Heart Die-namics as my sentiment anchor. Well MFT friends and fans, I will see you once again for tomorrow's Weekly Stamp Club!

Thank you, as always, for coming by to visit! Now, off you go!! Please be sure to check out the unbelievable new releases from My Favorite Things available right now! And make sure you go look at all of the gorgeousness that is on display now via the New Product Tour on the MFT Blog!

I hope you've enjoyed this month's release as much as I have! I leave you with two words..TOTAL SWOON! (wink!)

With many wintery Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things - Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally

2012-01-03T00:00:00.105-05:00

Greetings!! Today I'm here with the My Favorite Things New Release Pep Rally. Over the last six days, you've seen all the new stamps and Die-namics releasing tomorrow night. It's just so fun and exciting! I hope you've been enjoying as much as I have!!
Today I have just a couple of really simple tips that I've learned along the way that I'd like to share with you during this awesome Die-namics Feature today!

We've taken an in-depth look at this month's Die-namics, while re-visiting the amazing sets being released tonight at 10 PM EST RIGHT HERE in the MFT Boutique. And while we are at it, how about we make your life even easier with a "cheat sheet" of all that's new? Head over to the MFT Blog to print out a shopping list.

I'm going to start by sharing with you how I created my stuffed felt strawberry that I showed you yesterday. But first - I must tell you that I used Jody's amazing video with help learning how to put the strawberry together. You can check out her video right here. (it's AWESOME) And it's the exact way I closed my strawberry up only instead of using liner tape I used hot glue since I was working with fabric.

But first I started by getting out all of my supplies:

I simply LOVE all the gorgeous details of these amazing Die-namics:

I'm showing you the close up of the dies so that you can really see the embossing that will happen when you cut your fabric or paper.

Ok - cutting time!

I kept my photos small for this portion as there are lots of them. I use my Bigkick with the cutting plates all stacked according to the directions. I then place my cutting surface, then my Die-namics die facing up, then my felt, then my top cutting plate, then a thin piece of cardboard (shim) just to add a bit of extra pressure so I really get those embossed strawberry seeds pressed into the felt.

Here is how it looks when it comes out of the cutting machine. Look at all of those awesome strawberry seeds!! (sorry about the paper fuzz on the felt. It brushes off so easily but is totally trapped in all of the cuts and scratches of my embossing plates)

Here is how the strawberry hull came out using the same technique:

For the hull, I used my sewing machine and after popping the center of the hull out, I used white thread and a straight stitch. I started at one point and went straight across to the next one until all of the scored lines were stitched white.

Because felt is rather spongy in nature the deeply embossed seeds will, over time, puff back up and lose a bit of their dimension. In order to make my hand sewing easier and not having to worry about getting to the seeds before they become faint, I took my black Copic marker and dotted each one so that I'd have a template of where to stitch.

(would you believe I get a manicure every 10 days? The cold here in the North East is just brutal on my hands!)

Now that I have my seeds marked, I took black embroidery floss and a large needle and started to stitch each seed.

After I was finished stitching both the hull and the body of my berry I used a bead of hot glue on the flap to hold the strawberry together. I used three jumbo cotton balls to stuff the berry with. And, using Jody's amazing video, pulled it all together with soft, green yarn and a green button.

And my berry was complete!

Now I have another very quick trick to show you. I LOVE using Die-namics and transforming them into faux-chipboard embellishments. This is one of the easiest things to do ever! I did this on Day One of the Teasers with the Eiffel Tower:

And I did it again today using my very favorite Bracket Tab Die-namic and I'm going to show you how to do that right now.

First gather your supplies:

Any Die-namics die, cardstock or DP (your choice) and Glossy Accents. Depending on the thickness of my paper I will cut five or six of the same die. I use Glossy Accents as my adhesive of choice. It holds superbly and allows for a bit of wiggle room when you start stacking the dies on top of one another.

Regardless of the shape of the die, I only put the Glossy Accents in the center and not too close to the edges. You don't want your adhesive leaking out of the sides. It will just look messy.

Start layering your die cuts one on top of another adding another layer of Glossy Accents each time until you have used all of your pieces. When you are done, the thickness of the layers will then resemble a chipboard element! It's so cool and adds such great dimension to any project. My tip to you, use the best cardstock or designer paper you can to achieve the best chipboard look possible.

Here is how this piece looks in the project I posted yesterday for the PI Teaser:

Thanks so much for coming by today!! I hope you have enjoyed!! "See" you tonight at the Release Party!!!

And a HUGEEEEEEE thank you to Kim, Jody, Joanne and the rest of the AMAZING MFT Design Team for having me this month. It has been an experience unlike any other. A crafter's dream come true!

Now for all of the administrative bits and bobs! Have a GREAT day and a fabulous time tonight!!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
You have just a few more hours to submit your entry for this month's guest designer contest. Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the designers' posts for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Fabulous Pre-Release Party Hugs!!
Meredith

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - Pure Innocence

2012-01-02T00:00:00.083-05:00

Hello my darling friends!! Are you getting as excited as I am for Release Night??? I cannot WAIT!! This has been an outstanding week and today is no exception. Today there are six...yes I said SIX Pure Innocence sets being shown today! So amazing! I am previewing Paper Dolls. It is oh so crazy sweet. I am also going to show you a bit of a teaser project that I will give you full instructions for in tomorrow's Die-namics Preview.

But first up is my creation using PI - Paper Dolls as well as it's FANTABULOUS coordinating Die-namics Border Die! (talk about SWOON??!??!!?)

I started by stamping her onto Xpress white cardstock. I paper pieced her adorable jumper using Basic Grey - Oxford paper. I used MME paper for the paper dolls in her hands which were also pieced. Her shoes are glazed up with Glossy Accents.

As you can see, I used the Paper Dolls Border Die-Namics (this would also be AMAZING for scrapbooking!!) to create a fantastically textured background. I pulled most of the colors out of her little jumper to embellish and make the plaid really pop. I used the new Monogram Alphabet (love love LOVE)...it's another that you'll need on your list, to create a large XO sentiment panel on the top left in addition to my chunky, "chipboard-esque" Bracket Tab Die-namic sentiment holder. (I will share a super fast tip on how to create this tomorrow!)

I did a bit of stitching, added perfectly placed decorative stick pins and two vintage buttons threaded with twine (never, ever any naked buttons!!) in the lower right corner. And once again, I was happy.

For my interior, I used the newly released last month's Mix and Match Banner Die-namics as well as the new Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namic. I added a few brads to anchor the banners and some super wonky stitching to jazz it all up a bit. I used another sentiment from the PI - Paper Dolls set to finish off the interior.

I do have one other CRAZY, FABULOUS, FUN and SCRUMPTIOUS thing to show you today. It's a tiny gift of love to my daughter. She's a lover of all things sweet and yummy...especially when they are in stuffed style! And by that I mean "stuffed animal style"! She loves stuffed cupcakes, candies, and fruits and has quite a collection on her dresser. So - without further ado - using this month's new to be released Berry Box Die-namics I've made another soft bobble to add to her collection.

The seeds are hand stitched. The lines on the green hull are stitched with my sewing machine. I will be showing how I created this out of luscious felt tomorrow in the Die-namics Focus but I wanted to show you just how sweet it is and tell you that it is the perfect vessel to use if you were to give candies or tiny embellishments or small groupings of rolled up ribbon as a gift. Crazy sweet!! But - more on that tomorrow when I'll have two different fun things to show you during the Pre-Release Pep Rally and Die-namics Focus!

I want to thank you all SO much for popping by today to check out my creations! I can't thank you enough for all of your amazingly sweet and kind comments you've left me during this entire Teaser Time. I am humbled and honored.

OK friends and MFT fans, that's all for me today!! Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

And, as always, here are the important administrative bits and bobs!! I hope you were inspired, as I always am by the amazing MFT products!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Wondrously Wonderful MFT Die-namics used in today's creations:

Many happy New Year Hugs!
Meredith
xoxo

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - a la modes!!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.029-05:00

Hi and Very Happy New Year to you!!! I'm so excited to be here with you celebrating 2012 as well as the two new gorgeous A La Mode sets being shown today! I know that this week of teasers has been overwhelmingly gorgeous and I'm in awe, as usual, of the amazing creations that are being displayed by all the artists at MFT.

Today I'm previewing A La Mode - Genie. I was a HUGE Barbara Eden - I Dream Of Genie fan when I was a little girl and that was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this new set. I started by stamping her on Xpress white cardstock and coloring her with my Copics. I then paper pieced her outfit - using red velum for her sheer pants and hair wrap. I used white gel pen on her hair to create the illusion of where shine would be on her gorgeous blonde locks. I pieced her magic lamp using gold cardstock. After I stamped and trimmed it out, I ran it through my Xyron with the front facing toward the sticky, and then coated it heavily with yellow glitter. I then pieced her arms on the outside of the lamp to ensure the proper dimension.

I layered and stitched, added a bow and then sat back and looked at it. Hmmmm...it needed a bit of something.

I then had an "ah-ha" moment. I pulled out my flat bottomed clouds, snipped apart my sentiment and stamped it onto my white cardstock clouds as if the words were floating out of the lamp! And I was happy. (wink)

I kept my interior simple and bold. I used the new Jumbo Monarch Border, some stitching and another one of the sentiments that come with the pack and the interior was done.

I want to thank you all for popping by today to check out my creation! Don't forget to come by tomorrow as I'll have something entirely new to share with you!!

OK friends and MFT fans, that's all for me today!! Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

And, as always, here are the important administrative bits and bobs!! Thanks so much for popping by today! I hope you were inspired, as I always am by the amazing MFT products!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - At The Movies

2011-12-31T00:00:00.039-05:00

Hello again my darling friends!! I am having the best week here with the fabulous design team at MFT. I am overwhelmed at the amazing creations that all of the MFT artists are cranking out and consider myself lucky to be creating alongside them.

Just WAIT until you see what is in store for you today! (squeal!) This set - entitled - At The Movies is a combo stamp and Die-namics set. Included in the set are six dies and a gigantic stamp set filled with sentiments as well as images. Just so awesome!!

I started by choosing my color scheme of red, black grey and white. Not sure why but that's how my creative dice were rolling that day. ;) My card base is a heavy sparkly white cardstock. I then just started playing around with all of the different Die-namics that come with this set. I started by cutting a bunch in a variety of cardstock colors. But I then decided to coat some of them in either black, silver or clear embossing powder and make them really pop!

As you can see on the left hand side, I stamped the row of stars three times over, coated in white embossing powder and heat set. On top of that I added a sweet cluster of the director's board, a felt heart from my Notched Tag Die-namics, and I stamped the number two to symbolize the love story between two people.

My main panel that holds my sentiment, is first stamped on the interior piece of the First Class Friends stamp set. Which just so happens to be a teeny bit smaller than the center piece of the film strip that comes in this set - again...there's that genius I was talking about in my earlier Teaser posts about Kim and her design team creating lots of the different sets that work so well and literally fit together! LOVE THIS!! Anything to add another layer is great by me! (wink!)

I added some stitching, a pearly flourish and a large, black Grosgrain bow and the front of my card was happy.

For my interior, I reached for my tag from the Tag You're It set. I use this set CONSTANTLY!! I love and adore it!! (go ahead...put it on your list...I'll wait....)

Done? Ok let's keep going. I stamped my sentiment onto red cardstock and added the striped director's bar stamp on top and bottom. I tied my tag with some yummy yarn and set it aside. I threaded some natural twine through the film reel adding a pretty bow to finish it off and snuggled a red polka dotted heart from my Hearts-A-Plenty Die-namics set right on top creating a little grouping to pull the interior all together.

I want to thank you all for popping by today to check out my creation! I hope you're planning something very fun for New Year's Eve! Don't forget to come by tomorrow as I'll have something entirely new to share with you!!

OK friends and MFT fans, that's all for me today!! Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Gorgeously glorious MFT products used in today's creation:

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - CSS Romance and Pearls Of Wisdom

2011-12-30T00:00:00.028-05:00

Hello my fellow MFT fans and friends! So glad to be with you again today for what is sure to be another fierce and fabulous day of Teasers! Today we are previewing two amazingly beautiful sentiment sets; Clearly Sentimental About Romance (you romantics out there...get ready to swoon!) and Pearls of Wisdom. The Romance set is the Triple Scoop Set for this month and the Pearls of Wisdom, which was last month's Triple Scoop Set will now be available for purchase when everything is released on Tuesday night, January third. If you are not familiar with the TSS here are the details: The Triple Scoop reward is a full-sized stamp set offered to you absolutely FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60 or greater (before shipping and tax).

All you have to do once you have achieved the minimum of $60 in product is click ADD TO CART (there is a message that pops up telling you that you are eligible) and you're good to go!

For my creation today, I've used the Clearly Sentimental About Romance set. I recently purchased a new 6x6 pack from 7gypsies - Lille and it's just so rustic, vintage and sweet! I went through the entire pack pulling out lots of different styles. Using the gorgeous new Layered Heart Die-namics, I started by stamping my sentiment onto the patterned paper. (total swoon) I then threaded the perimeter with red baker's twine. I matted it with navy cardstock and adhered them together with foam dots. I layered the background and played a bit but thought it needed "something" in the back so I added a mini-string of banners using the Mini-Pennant Die-namics. I threaded them with rustic twine and adhered them in place with teeny dots of Glossy Accents.

I used my Wonky Scallop Border Die-namics (it's a MUST HAVE people...I use it CONSTANTLY!) to accent the bottom of my card front, stitched on with a zig zag stitch and paired with a bit of ivory lace trim. As a final touch I added two floral stick pins into the foam between my two heart layers.

My interior carries over the same color scheme and rustic style. I snipped apart my sentiment so it would fit properly within the newly released last month's Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namic. In my travels recently, I picked up a set of the oval Spellbinder's Nestabilities. The largest of which fits PERFECTLY just inside of the Oval Doily Die-namic. Kim and her amazing team designs everything just "so" that they work nicely with lots of exterior products that you may happen to have. It's lovely really! (smile!)

So as you can see, I stamped my snipped apart sentiment, first the word "heart" in red then the rest in black ink. To accomplish this I simply used a basic red magic marker that I borrowed from my children's stash (if you must know it was a Mr. Sketch brand cherry scented marker =). I did not use my Copics as they are permanent and will simply color your stamp and not transfer to your paper so you must used a water based marker in order for this to work. I then nestled my sentiment oval into my Oval Die-namics and anchored the panel with two red brads. A bit of stitching and voila!

OK friends and MFT fans, that's all for me today!! Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

And, as always, here are the important administrative bits and bobs!! Thanks so much for popping by today! I hope you were inspired, as I always am by the amazing MFT products!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Amazingly awesome MFT products used in today's creation:

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

Dilly Beans - Color Challenge

2011-12-29T23:59:00.001-05:00

Greetings!! I hope that you all had a lovely holiday weekend last week and are looking very forward to a wonderful New Year to come! I'm here today bringing you a new creation for this week's Dilly Beans Challenge. We have a color challenge to inspire you today - Red and Black. And there are SO many amazing stamps in Megan's Store to inspire you!!

Today I've used #290 Heart Penguin. I printed him twice - once on cardstock and once on designer paper. I paper pieced some of his body, coloring the rest with my Copics. I used Glossy Accents on the spots on the hearts, his eyes, beak and feet.

I did a bit of stitching and anchored my corners with some mini silver brads. I do hope you've enjoyed my creation today and have been inspired to come along and play with us over at the Dilly Beans Challenge Blog!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - Bunches Of Love

2011-12-29T00:00:00.072-05:00

Greetings once again all and happy second day of MFT Teasers!! Today we've got such a sweetie to show you - the ever adorable and brandy new Bunch Of Hearts Flopsey!! I knowwwwwww isn't he grand? Just the sweetest bunny I've ever seen. I started by pulling out a gorgeous and bright new (to me) paper pack from Echo Park - Country Drive.

I stamped Flopsey onto some of the patterned paper, made his cheeks a bit pink with my Copics and lightly edges him with a bit of Distress Ink. I then stamped him four more times and paper pieced his overflowing hearts that he's gathered in his sweet bunny arms (which I also pieced to ensure proper dimension). I then just started to trim, cut and play. With all of the different colors I was simply tickled at how it all came together! I did a lot of layering and stitching using silver brads to anchor my corners, sparkly blue dimensional stickers on each of the brand new Jumbo Monarch Border points and some velvet heart stickers to float around the new and GORGEOUS Layered Heart Die-namic which I've cut using pink and red felt. (swoon!) I used one of my always "go-to" tabs - Bracket Tab Die-namic - to house my sentiment. I finished off my exterior with a bit of decorative tape which you can see under all of those layers!

Using the same papers for my interior, I've cut another pair of hearts to keep the design flow going in continuity with the exterior. I stamped one of the beautiful sentiments, right justified, onto the bright yellow heart. I used the teeny heart to stamp just above my sentiment and added some bright red glitter to make it pop. A bit of stitching and some pearls and my interior was happy.

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Marvelous MFT products used in today's creation:

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things - Weekly Stamp Club

2011-12-28T12:00:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon MFT fans!!! It's a busy day around here with the start of Teaser Time!! So fun!! But it's also Wednesday which means a new sketch for you to play with!! I LOVED this week's sketch (who am I kidding? I say that every week!!)

I had yet to ink up PI - Ice Princess (gasp!) so I was thrilled to get stampy with her! I inked her with Momento and stamped her onto X-press blending paper. I colored her with my Copics and then paper pieced her leggings and skating dress. As you can see, I added a second layer on her skirt for added dimension.

I used a wintery pack of Martha Stewart papers for the majority of this creation. The pink and polkadotted paper (front and back side) is from American Crafts. I used Bazzill textured cardstock for my base and the scalloping. I added my sentiment using the newly released mini-tabs (total swoon!) and created a dimensional star embellishment using many layers of kraft cardstock adhered and then stitched together. I didn't have bling to match quite perfectly so I took my Blush Copic marker to plain white pearls to tint them the exact color that I needed. LOVE this trick!

Thanks for popping by today as I know there's a lot going on in MFT bloggyland right now! I do hope you can come play along with us with this week's sketch right HERE!!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

My Favorite Things Teaser Time - WTG?

2011-12-28T00:00:00.013-05:00

I hope that you all had a truly wonderful and magical holiday season. It was wonderfully busy and fun for me and my family. I am now looking forward to settling in for a nice wintery season filled with calm, zen and crafting!! (wink!)

I'm super thrilled to be here with the amazingly talented MFT gals, once again, for another SPECTACULAR release. You are going to be in awe with all of the gorgeous products that are being displayed this week and released on Tuesday!!

First up is this month's Who's That Parisian Girl? Seriously...SERIOUSLY?!? How tre-romantic!! I love her. I've stamped her onto Copic Express Blending paper and then colored her with my Copics. I then paper pieced her entire outfit, shoes and scarf included!! In order to piece her purse (say that three times fast!) and hand to ensure the proper dimension, I pieced each side of the purse and layered another hand on top. I took a black, fine line Micron pen and hand drew her sassy, fishnet stockings. I added tiny brads in the corner of her panel and set her aside to chill.

I then started to layer my background. I have some vintage European postcard style prints that I keep in my delicious box of all things vintage. And although you cannot see the majority of the image I liked the European vibe that it lends. I layered it with some gorgeous Fancy Pants paper that I recently acquired. I then decided to make my own background paper using all of the sentiments that are included in this set. There are eleven (yes - eleven) small sentiments - that doesn't include the others! It's a big set =) I lined them all up on my Scor-mat moving them around until I had them all just where I liked them.

I then took my stamp press and picked up all of the sentiments together at one time (that's the key). I used my black Momento ink and stamped over and over again on a large piece of leger paper. I LOVE how it came out! Simple and elegant. I matted this piece onto some corrugated cardboard and wrapped the entire panel in a piece of lush, velvet ribbon.

I then set to work on my Eiffel Tower. Oh it's just SOOOOOOOOOO awesome!! I wanted my tower to be more like a chipboard embellishment so I cut it five times using scrap cardstock, once using my designer paper and once using very thin cardboard (from the back of one of my paper packs). I adhered them together with Glossy Accents and then cut one last tower using black cardstock being careful not to lose any of the "windows" as I wanted the spaces to really show through.

For my interior, I used another piece of ledger paper - which I love as it adds a sweet design element without too much fuss - to stamp a fabulous sentiment/quote by Audrey Hepburn (love) as well as a non-colored version of the Parisian lovely. There is an Eiffel Tower stamp included in the set that I stamped in Versamark over the sentiment and heat set with clear embossing powder. I know it's very faint but the intent was to make it look almost like a watermark. I used my Solid Bracket Border Die-namic cut using corrugated cardboard in the center of my interior panel and the newly released By The Letters Die-namics to create chipboard letters to spell out "Te Oui" (translation - Yes You). I used thin cardboard which I covered in my patterned paper. I adhered the two together using my Xyron and I then coated each letter in Glossy Accents and let them dry overnight. I adhered them to the interior of my card using more Glossy Accents to ensure that they would not eventually pop off which can happen over time depending on the type of adhesive. I did some stitching around the edges to polish everything off.

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Fantastically Fabulous MFT products used in today's creation:

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

Bombshell Monthly Hop - Give It To Me Baby!

2011-12-27T23:59:00.008-05:00

Greetings Bombshell Fans!! I hope that you all had a wonderful and amazing holiday weekend! I know I did with my family and friends. I did manage to squeeze in a bit of crafty time for myself. (YAY!) Today is our monthly hop here at Bombshell and our amazing hop coordinator - Alison - has given us yet another amazing theme.

"This month, the theme is "Give it to Me, Baby!" What's that mean? You've got to make a gift for someone using your Bombshell Stamps. Even if that someone is you! This also means no cards! Unless of course, you are making a super snazzy gift card holder, but let's give it the old college try and try to make something else. I'm talking jewelry, altered art, mini canvases...anything that you could give to someone as a gift. The possibilities are endless! "

But first, you should be hopping here from our fabulous Milo's blog and if not you will definitely want to start at the beginning so that you can see everyone's amazing gifts!!

For my creation today I've made a goodie bag of embellishments for a dear friend of mine. She is a college student and let's face it...most students are relatively broke (I know I was!!) so she is AMAZING at using all kinds of goodies that she has on hand. I've tucked all kinds of die cuts, ribbons, metal bits and bobs as well as some fabulous tiny, wooden clothespins inside of a wax paper bag (I get mine at Whole Foods Market). I folded the top of the bag closed and creased the edges with my bone folder.

I created a flag banner of sorts using the three smaller stamps from Bombshell Patterns and the sentiment from Mermaid Treasure. I stamped my patterns onto glossy paper using distress inks then heat set them with clear embossing powder. I then punched them out with a circle punch and matted them with kraft cardstock. I added my banner to the wax bag with a simple silver brad. I hope you've enjoyed my gift creation!! Have a wonderful and safe New Year!!

Thanks so much for hopping with us today!! Now off you scoot to the always amazing Kathi's blog!!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club - I Love You

2011-12-21T12:00:00.005-05:00

Good Afternoon MFT fans!! Today is another fabulous Wednesday and I have this week's sketch to show you! It's such a fun one!! I've chosen to use my new Frosty and Fabulous set from this last release along with the new Mini Tabs Die-namics.

I stamped Frosty onto Express Blending paper (thanks Jo!!;) - this medium is FANTASTIC! And then colored with my Copics. I used Sparkle Fluff from the OCL to jazz up the scarf and Glossy Accents for the hat. I've used mainly G45 papers in addition to some Basic Grey and Fancy Pants Designs. I added a simple black twill bow tied with some twine and silver cord for a tiny bit of bling.

I do hope you enjoy and have been inspired to come play with us this week right HERE!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

Bombshell Monthly Challenge - Hot and Steamy

2011-12-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

Morning Gorgeous Bombshells!! I'm here with you posting with my fabulous teammates over at the Bombshell Forum for this month's amazing theme - Steampunk. It's eclectic and gear"ry", sassy, a bit sultry, vixen"ey", tough-girl-esque yet still super sexy. That's what Steampunk design means to me. I was going for crisp and simple with all of the elements in harmony with it's funky attitude.

I used my favorite love here at Bombshell - Bombshell Angel. I colored her with my Copics making her hair a divine shade of Minty Blue. I used vintage glass glitter on her bodice and let a gold flower bloom in her hair.

G45 papers used. In what other line...than Steampunk Debutante. Exactly.

I added some rhinestones and brads as embellishments and let it alone. I was happy.

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired! I hope you'll come create with us over at the Bombshell forum!!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

xoxo

Some Odd Girl - Annual Holiday Hop

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!! So happy to be here with you today on what is SURE to be a crazy busy week!! So fun!! Here at our house we have Hanukkah, my darling hubby's 40th birthday AND Christmas!! Whew!! It's even a lot to THINK about but I know it's going to be super fun, super fabulous and wonderfully wild!

But before all that starts I am linking up with the fabulous ladies over at Some Odd Girl for their annual holiday hop!! Before I share my creation be sure to check out all of the details here!! I've chosen to create for the All White Challenge:

From SOG blog:

"A little contest and friendly competition. Link up and create a project that fits one of the catagories below and we’ll be picking the best from each catagory to win a super awesome prize pack! You’ll have to wait to see until the hop what the prizes are but you can bet they’ll be good! Here are the catagories:

Mens *Mens*- Create a holiday card for the men!
All White *White*- your creation must be all white NOT including you image. That may be colored.
Give a Little Gift *Gift*- some thing like a gift card holder or gift bag. Get creative!
Non Traditional *NT* - Non traditional colors or card design or subject. So many ways to run with it!"

And here's my creation for the All White - (not including image) Category":

For my creation, I've used the GORGEOUS 50'S Kaylee digi stamp. I printed her three times. Once on white, once on plaid and once on the striped. The patterned papers are from G45. I colored Kaylee with my Copics and then paper pieced her dress and apron. I was inclined to color her pearls "pearl" color but I recently saw a gorgeous strand of grey pearls and I was inspired *giggle*. I heat embossed the red glittery polka dots and added Glossy Accents to her shoes.

I've been working really hard to improve my shading techniques and I'm happy with how my progress is coming. =) The rest of my layers are a mix and match of gorgeous and luscious white felt (PTI), squishy and glittery self-adhesive foam sheets, wall paper samples, watercolor paper and designer paper and cardstock. And it all just kind of came together! I've used a number of steel dies from MFT and my circle Spellbinder Nesties. My embellishments include matte white brads, white cotton yarn, and pearl tipped stick pins. True luxury my friends!

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired to come hop and link up over at the Some Odd Girl Blog!!

See you there!

Holiday Hugs!
Meredith

Our Craft Lounge - Every Heartbeat

2011-12-16T03:00:00.005-05:00

Hello Again Everyone!! Thanks for popping in today to check out another day of amazing Valentine's Day sneaks from OCL!! Today I've worked with the Every Heartbeat set.

I layered my background with Ouchless Cardboard from Gauche Alchemy. I painted it with some of my Ranger Distress Paint. I stamped my chevron pattern on Basic Grey designer paper and then trimmed it out. I layered on top with some crocheted vintage trim, some hearts cut using my MFT Hearts-a-Plenty Die-namic, and some die cut tags that came with my Basic Grey paper. I used the heart in RED as well as the sentiment that I attached to a tag and created a fun little grouping. As a final touch, I added some self-adhesive red pearls spotted throughout my creation.

I hope you have enjoyed our sneak peeks today! There is some fabby blog candy being given away over at OCL so remember to leave love on all of the gals blogs so that you can be entered into a drawing to possibly win!!

Here are all of the fantastic artists participating in today's sneak peeks!!

OCL Blog
Kendra Wietstock
Lori Tecler
Tammie Edgerton
Broni Holcombe
Debbie Fisher
Carolyn King
Lori Barnett
Debbie Corbari
Lisa Eisner
Stephanie Serrano
Amber Hillman
Meredith Winston
Joy Stagg
Michelle Pearson
Dawn Barrett
Melissa Cash
Latrice Murphy
Deb Felts

Dilly Beans - Santa Baby

2011-12-16T00:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday All!! It's another amazing Friday here at Dilly Beans with our new SANTA BABY challenge!! SO FUN!! I, per usual, went a bit abstract with my card as I'm seriously jonesing for my favorite holiday (Valentine's Day) to get here so if my darling girl looks wistful for her SANTA BABY then that's why! :) I printed her out (#264 Two Hearts Girl) and colored her with my Copics. I used my Nesties to cut her out. I used my new Fringed Perennial Die from MFT to create the red Poppy looking flower

and my MFT Wonky Scallop border to create the "snow" from PTI felt. Seriously...the stuff is dreamy!

I hope you can come play with us for this weeks super fun challenge!! Thanks for coming by today!!

Our Craft Lounge - Smooth Sailing

2011-12-15T03:00:00.003-05:00

Greetings All!! I'm here today posting along with my friends at the OCL for their upcoming new Valentine's Day releases!! Today I'm previewing a set called Smooth Sailing. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO crazy cute!! I decided to paper piece the adorable sailboat. I pieced the sail as well as the boat. I used my Copics to color in the hearts, small flags as well as the water.

I've used both Basic Grey and Martha Stewart designer papers. My cardbase is kraft cardstock from JoAnn Fabrics.

I added my sentiment on a MFT Die-namic and created two different color mattes for it to match my color scheme. I stamped my anchors in red and used them as a fabulous border along the bottom of my card.

There is some fabby blog candy being given away over at OCL so remember to leave love on all of the gals blogs so that you can be entered into a drawing to possibly win!!

For your convenience here is the list of everyone playing along today!!

OCL Blog
Kendra Wietstock
Lori Tecler
Tammie Edgerton
Broni Holcombe
Debbie Fisher
Carolyn King
Lori Barnett
Debbie Corbari
Lisa Eisner
Stephanie Serrano
Amber Hillman
Meredith Winston ------------ YOU ARE HERE! =)
Joy Stagg
Michelle Pearson
Dawn Barrett
Melissa Cash
Latrice Murphy
Deb Felts

Thanks for coming by today! I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired!

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-14T12:01:00.008-05:00

Oh it's one of my very favorite days of the week!! MFT Stamp Club Wednesday!! And I couldn't be happier to be here at this month's Guest Designer! =)

I love this week's sketch as it definitely forced me to think outside of my proverbial "must have a stamped image" box and let me play with my sentiment sets more than I normally do. Today I've used this month's Triple Scoop Set - Pearls of Wisdom. It's available to you right now with your purchase of $60 or more ( BEFORE shipping and tax amounts are applied) of MFT products. Which believe me, is not hard to do as there are SUCH great stamps, dies and more in the MFT store!! (wink!) I also pulled out my Well Worn Greetings die and stamp set.

I decided to use my Jillibean Soup - Sweet and Sour 6x6 mini paper pack - all of the patterned paper is from the same pack. I used dark green cardstock as my base. I then used the other funky colors within the striped and flowery papers - lime green, turquoise and lavender and started to assemble my card.

I stamped the oval scalloped edging using Tempting Turquoise from SU! and then stamped my greeting with Momento ink in Tuxedo Black. I added mini black brads on the sides of my sentiment panel and self-adhesive pearls on the end of my "ribbon" panel which was created using the new Mix and Match Banners Die-namic.

I've kept my interior sweet and simple. Some stitching, some stamping, some die cutting and a tiny bit of vintage distressing with my ink blending tool and some Pumice Stone Distress Ink.

I hope you have enjoyed, been inspired and will come create with us!!! Don't forget to upload your creation for MFT's WISC to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery using the keyword MFTWSC50.

Be sure to head over to Kim's Blog to view the entire list of design team participants! You will most DEFINITELY be inspired!!

Thanks for visiting me today!

Fantastic MFT products used in today's creation:

Bombshell Monthly Sketch

2011-12-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Bombshell Fans!! Here with you today for December's Sketch Challenge over at the Bombshell forum. I've stamped my beautiful piratey Bombshell in Momento ink and colored her with my Copics. This gorgeous lady is from A Pirate's Life set.

I have paper pieced her dress, belt, right arm and head. I did all of this so that the image has a realistic look. I hadn't planned on piecing her entire head. I knew I had to do her right arm as it sits on top of the dress and in order to make it look real, I stamped the dress, then stamped another arm, colored it in and added it on top of the dress. Well then it made her head and hair look sunken so I stamped another head, colored it, fussy cut it and added it on top of everything and it looks great!

I used my oval doily Die-namic and Crown border from MFT as accents threading some sweet baker's twine through the holes in the oval as an added visual touch.

I hope you enjoy and have been inspired to come create with us right HERE!

Psst...

2011-12-12T18:16:00.001-05:00

In case you hadn't heard....

Our Craft Lounge - CAS Holiday

2011-12-10T17:15:00.001-05:00

Hi All!! Popping in today to share some CAS (clean and simple) holiday cards. I have to share a secret with you - as a practice, I don't do any mass production of my cards. I simply don't like the monotony of cutting and stamping the same thing over and over. The ONLY exceptions to that rule are when my close family and/or friends ask for an order of cards. My darling SIL (sister-in-law) recently asked me for a grouping of cards for her to give gifts in. So I took the opportunity with this week's OCL challenge to create a bunch of cards for her. I used OCL's White Christmas and Winter Wishes sets pulling out all of the individual snowflakes. I stamped the snowflakes using Versamark Dazzle ink. I then used clear embossing powder to heat set them all.

I used some fabulous starry paper for my banner ended sentiment panels, a couple of wraps and a bow using wonderful baker's twine and a chipboard embellishment adhered with Glossy Accents. Each card is a bit different as I changed the orientation of the snowflakes and each one has a different chipboard embellishment.

I hope you have enjoyed and are having a very creative weekend!!

Dilly Beans - Twisted Christmas

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday All!! Today brings a fabulous new challenge over at Dilly Beans!! Today I've used image #211 - Framed Friday with Skull.

I printed her three times, once on my white cardstock, once on the green paper with red stars for her hair and then again on blue DP for the skully cutie in her hair.

I used a mishmash of papers that have been on my desk from a variety of projects all week. I colored her skin, eyes, and stripey turtleneck with my Copics. I then paper pieced her hair and skully as well as adding twinkly self-adhesive rhinestones on the skull eyes. I used Sparkle Fluff from OCL in the negative space around the polka dots behind her.

I used a sentiment from MFT and a bit of skully ribbon as my finishing touches. As you can see I went with a very distressed and weathered look for the background. It was super fun to rip and tear and patch the background back together!

I hope you come join us for a very Twisted Christmas challenge over at the Dilly Beans challenge blog!!

OCL - Tag, You're It

2011-12-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends!! Double post today as I'm bringing you a tag that I created for this week's OCL challenge - Tag You're It.

I created the entire tag myself using scraps that I had on my table from earlier today. I've used a beautiful wintery set called Winter Wishes. I stamped my image using Momento ink onto really good quality water color paper. I then took my distress ink pads in a variety of blues, greens and browns and dabbed them all over my craft sheet that I always have on my desk. I misted the ink with a Perfect Pearls mixture of water and water colored my image. It's impossible to photograph but the image does have a twinkly effect in real life when the light hits it. It's BEAUTIFUL!! I added some dots of glossy accents to further catch the light and set the entire piece aside to dry. I used the snowflake strip stamp that comes with the set to anchor the top and bottom of my set. I stamped it in Versamark ink and heat set it with white embossing powder. I used some great yarn-like twine for the top of my tag.

I made two rolled felt flowers for my embellishments and used a domed clear sticker on the bottom that says "just the two of us". I liked how the sentiment played with the "Remember this:" printed on my die cut tag above. I'm going to give this to my DH as we always ALWAYS try to carve out time - even if it's just a little bit - each day to do this for each other. Having two small children easily allows all of your focus to be maneuvered often for days, weeks, months at at time away from each other. I'm going to give this to him as a wonderful reminder for the both of us to never lose sight of us while we raise our babies. =)

I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired!!

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-07T13:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning all!! Seriously...such an exciting day!! Last night I was honored beyond honored to be chosen to be the next Guest Designer for MFT for the next new release in January. You can see my winning project here. I'm still in shock. There were so many amazingly beautiful projects that can all be seen here! I'm crazy excited and LOVE LOVE LOVE working with the amazing artists and wonderful women at MFT.

So I'm jumping right in and playing along with this week's sketch which is SUPER fabulous and can translate to many different styles.

It can be flipped or flopped or twisted about! You choose! Here's how I chose to interpret this design:

I used papers from Basic Grey, Crate, and SU! as well as some from my stash and a few pieces that a friend sent me recently. I reached for my First Class Friend stamp and die set. The reason I am differentiating that I used the stamp and die set is because those smart SMART lovlies at MFT are now selling the dies separately! It's so fabulous whether you simply want the dies sans stamps or if you need an extra die to add to your collection! The option is amazing. SWOON!!

I stamped HUGS, KISSES and STAMP OF APPROVAL using SU! ink, my XO is stamped with Colorbox ink and heat embossed with black embossing powder. I added a bit of red ribbon before I adhered my postage frame and in lieu of the three elements I added an owl clip tied with a simple twine bow. I used a teeny dot of Glossy Accents on the knot of the bow to keep it stable.

To add extra detail to my interior, I've used my snowflake stitch on my sewing machine. I added a rhinestone flourish over my sentiment layer and left a bit of space for a handwritten message.

I do hope you come play along with us over at the forum on SCS!! It's right here!! Come on...you KNOW you want to play!! =)

My Favorite Things - December's New Prouduct Tour

2011-12-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

It truly has been a fantastic week of stunning previews, beautiful creations and wonderful MFT tips and tricks!! I hope you have enjoyed all of the teasers as much as I have and once again I'm over the moon honored to have been asked to participate in this amazing release.

For tonight's New Product Tour I've chosen to ink up, once again, the new Pure Innocence - Good Fortune. I've paired her with the newly released Oval Open Scallop Doily along with some sweet papers from my stash.

I stamped her onto my old stash of MFT perfect panels (retired ... sorry!!) and colored her with my Copics. I did stamp and color an extra set of hands and head to make the depth of my paper piecing seem more realistic. The green cherry blossom paper (from SU! I *think*) was very thin so I added another piece of plain cardstock behind it for stability. Because I did this step, my paper pieced dress was thicker than normal so the addition of the hands and head were absolutely necessary.

I created a few rows of jumbo scallops and I've flip flopped them to add a bit more dimension and interest. I used some thick grosgrain ribbon from Michael's and a couple of self-adhesive pearls as my accents.

I kept my interior simple and sweet using my Sweet Stack Die-namics for which to house my sentiment. A bit of stitching and I called it a day on this one! I truly hope you've been as inspired this week as I have been!

Thank you, as always, for coming by to visit! Now, off you go!! Please be sure to check out the unbelievable new releases from My Favorite Things available right now! And make sure you go look at all of the gorgeousness that is on display now via the New Product Tour on the MFT Blog!

Amazing MFT products used:

MFT December Guest Designer Challenge - Play Tag!!

2011-12-06T11:36:00.001-05:00

Greetings Friends!! It's been a busy whirly dervish of a week here at Paper Canteen!! I've been so lucky to be playing along in the December Teasers for MFT, Pep-Rally and New Product Tour (tonight!) but I've also carefully carved time out to play along with December's Guest Designer Challenge - Play Tag!!

I've chosen to take the name of the theme and interpret it literally and make not only a set of tags but incorporated the PLAY aspect of the theme into a learning game for my children. My kids (apples) don't fall far from the proverbial tree (me) in terms of their artistic sides. They are constantly coloring, painting, collaging, stamping, playing with pipe cleaners and are always ALWAYS trying to figure out what colors mixed with other colors make a new color! (say that three times fast!) In truth friends, I wanted to home school my children. I know, I know...some of you get it and others think it's an insane idea. I'm still on the fence even though my DD is in public school - grade 1 and my son is finishing up his last year at a private pre-school. I won't get into my reasoning but I will tell you that I do everything in my power to continue the learning at home by making it fun, interesting, colorful and often times MESSY! LOL! After all, that's all part of learning! I incorporate lots of reading, math and science into our play.

Ahem...enter my December project!! I've created a stack of learning tags for my kids to help them understand the "technical" aspect of how a rainbow is built. May I introduce you to my friend - ROY G. BIV. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet! Remember? I have fuzzy memories of learning this in upper elementary maybe middle school but the concept is easy when put into a fun and pretty package!!

I first started with an ATC tin that I keep in my stash. I altered the top using the MFT Rainbow, Flat Bottomed Clouds and Hearts A Plenty Die-namics. I kept my design crisp, clean and simple.

I used some Doodlebug rub-on letters to display the ROY G BIV on the front of the tin. I've had a stack of alphabet cards in my scrapbooking stash for literally years now just waiting for the right project to come along...and here it is!

I used one side of the learning cards to pull in the letter concept of each of the colors and I coordinated each of my stamped images by either image or theme as well as paper piecing and coloring in each image according to its place in the rainbow. In order to create a blank back side for my stamped images, I adhered my card onto my stamping cardstock of choice - Neena - and then carefully trimmed all around each card by hand. For the ribbon tabs on the top of my learning tags, I chose different styles and textures to enhance each card by color. I used Glossy Accents and sandwiched my folded ribbon in between the two layers of cardstock and printed card. I held each one for a few seconds until it was dry.

My red learning tag uses PI - My Umbrella as well as the tiny heart die from the Notched Tag set. Oh I just love her tartan pieced tights and patent shiny (thank you Glossy Accents) rain boots!

Here is a picture of the back - this was pre-printed. I love that I can also incorporate new reading words in as well! Multi-function people! ;)

The front of my orange learning tag uses Butterfly Kisses as well as the butterfly from the Notched Tag set. I can't decide which of her elements I love more...the flowery wings or the polka dotted bodysuit. So sweet!

"O" for orange and owl!! I chose the PI - Butterfly set for the winged effect. My daughter LOVES owls and butterflies so it's a win win combo! ;)

My yellow learning tag uses Love You With All My Heart and the sun from the Notched Tag set. I simply LOVE her patent leather Mary Janes and her sweet polka dotted pieced dress!!

If only the yarn had been printed in yellow! It would have been PERFECT! But it's pretty darling as is!

The green learning tag uses Something Special Just For You (my thinking was to incorporate the "G" for gift in this one) and the star from the Notched Tag set. I LOVE her plaid green party dress!!

And that green guitar is perfect!! My husband and son both play so it's a frequent item used in our house!!

My blue learning tag uses Honey Bee as well as the birdie (B for bee and bird!) from the Notched Tag set. Love that stinkin' cute bee costume and the patent leather booties!!!

And how CUTE are the little bees here on the back of the learning tag?!? Sooooo beeeeee-utiful! HA! (pun obviously intended)

I promise that this indigo tag has a very dark indigo ribbon atop it! It just is impossible to photograph and edit ribbon that true in color. It always comes out looking black. In any case, I've used the crazy sweet Make Mine A Double PI set along with the tiny heart from the Notched Tag set.

How appropriate that the "i" card has a double scoop ice cream cone on the back?? =)

And last, but certainly not least! One of my daughter's favorite colors VIOLET! (she's Very cute - get it "V" for very! ha!) How sweet? I've used PI- Being Cute Is What I Do combined with one last bit - the flower - from the Notched Tag set.

The back uses the word VEST which is so adorable and very close in style to the romper top that our sweet PI is wearing!

I truly hope you've enjoyed my challenge entry for this month! I know I had a BLAST putting it together!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

My Favorite Things - Pre-Release Pep Rally and Die-Namics Feature!

2011-12-06T00:01:00.030-05:00

Greetings!! Today I'm here with the My Favorite Things New Release Pep Rally. Over the last six days, you've seen all the new stamps and Die-namics releasing tomorrow night. It's just so fun and exciting! I hope you've been enjoying as much as I have!!

My focus today is to share a sample, along with some tips and tricks I've done using one of the newest Die-namics dies - the Mix and Match Banner Set. I used ALM - Ski Bunny as my sample stamp set but what I'd like to have you focus on is the vertical sentiment banner I've created on the right hand side of my creation.

This is a super easy way to utilize your shorter and smaller dies in a whole new way, giving them a second available design option! A great way to get more out of your dies!!

Instead of a photo tutorial I decided to create a video for you! I'm VERY new to creating video tutorials (this is only my second one EVER) and only have my iPhone as a camera but all in all I'm happy with the way it turned out! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to pop them in the comments section and I'll be sure to answer them!

Here is the sample card completed!! When I ended the video I was unsure of how I was going to use my extended banner panel but I am thrilled with how it turned out! I hope you enjoy!! See you tomorrow at the Release Party!!!

interior

Super fabulous MFT Products Used:

And, of course, last but not least...the administrative bits and bobs!

Now that we've teased and tempted you all week long, it's almost time for you to shop for your favorite Brand Spankin' New products from MFT.But first... it's time for our Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally!Our Design Team has been busy creating jaw-dropping and inspiring projects for you, and we've saved the best for last.We've taken an in-depth look at this month's Die-namics, while re-visiting the amazing sets being released tonight at 10 PM EST RIGHT HERE in the MFT Boutique.And while we are at it, how about we make your life even easier with a "cheat sheet" of all that's new? Head over to the MFT Blog to print out a shopping list.Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
You have just a few more hours to submit your entry for this month's guest designer contest. Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the designers' posts for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

My Favorite Things - Pure Innocence Teaser Time!!

2011-12-05T00:00:00.004-05:00

It's here! It's here!! I know it's been hard to wait but it's PI Teaser Day!! YAY!!! I am previewing two of the seven...yes, I said SEVEN new PI sets that are being released on Tuesday night! Today I'm showing you PI - Good Fortune and PI - Precious Little Lamb. I'm photo heavy today friends so grab a cup of something yummy and snuggle in! ;)

First up is PI - Good Fortune. Seriously? Isn't she INSANELY sweet?!?!? I think so! One of the many things I love about the PI line is the ease in which it is to paper piece. Piecing just adds such a fantastic extra element to any image. I started by stamping her onto Neena white cardstock using my Momento ink. I colored her with my Copics and then paper pieced using this beautiful Asian inspired cherry blossom paper from The Paper Source. I've had it in my stash for literally, years. I pieced her sash in PTI designer paper and colored the area that forms her "v-neck" line with my Copics for added visual interest.

I stitched around the perimeter (gotta keep practicing my one stitch at a time trick a la Jody) and backed my main layer with self adhesive cork - both circles cut using my Nesties.

I used a mix and match of papers, the black and white number paper is from a new 6x6 pack from Echo Park - Times and Seasons that I recently grabbed up at my LSS.
I used the new Mix and Match Banners for my sentiment panel on the bottom. How did I get it to be that shape and size? You will find out in the upcoming Die-Namics Focus day!! I promise to show you how easy this is to do!

I stamped my sentiment and added a matte to it by adhering my panel to my cardstock and carefully trimming around the edge with my scissors. I had a very cool Asian inspired charm in my stash that I accented with some rustic twine.

I finished off my exterior with a bit of red, satin ribbon as well as another layer of twine.

My interior keep the same theme going but I used the new and soon to be released Open Scalloped Oval Doily. I stamped my sentiment as well as an uncolored version of this sweet PI. I know I've said it before but I LOVE the way this looks.

Up next is another sweetie in the PI line - Precious Little Lamb. I colored in the lambs using my Copics and then paper pieced the entire rest of the image. Even the teeny tiny hands of the lamb were stamped twice and pieced so as to ensure the proper depth and dimension to make my image more realistic looking. (A trick I learned and LOVE from Joanne!) I even pieced the hay in the little manger. Before adhering this piece down, I coated the edges of the hay using my Quickie Glue Pen and dipped it in yellow glitter to give it a bit more zing!

I adhered my background paper to some vintage kraft colored paper. I did this because I knew I was going to distress my edges so I wanted some extra color popping through. That, and if you use any real vintage paper you know how fragile it can be so giving it extra strength using another piece of cardstock is always a good idea. I stamped the swirly background and then heat embossed it using copper embossing powder. I then created the rest of my panels using two different 6x6 pads - Basic Grey (my first real love when it comes to Designer Paper) Oxford and Echo Park - Times and Seasons.

I created my longer Mix and Match Banners die on the right for my sentiment. Again, I will show this trick to you soon! I added some fun twine both soft and rustic and glued the bow tails in various spots using tiny dots of Glossy Accents to hold in place. I used some crimson ribbon tied on the left hand side of my creation for some balance and added a bit more rustic twine there as well.

I truly hope you've enjoyed and been inspired today! I had an amazing time creating with both of these gorgeous sets!!

Don't forget that there are seven...yes...SEVEN Pure Innocence sets previewing today, so definitely be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see the others as well as a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

And, as always, here are the important administrative bits and bobs!! Thanks so much for popping by today!

I can't wait to see you at the MFT New Release Party tomorrow night.Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

My Favorite Things - a la modes Teaser Time!!

2011-12-04T00:00:00.013-05:00

Hello Paper Canteen Friends!! I'm over the moon excited to have been asked to be a part of the MFT Guest Team for the December release! I know you've seen such beauty so far this week and I'll do my best not to disappoint! ;)

Teaser Time is certainly blowing my socks off!! How about yours? Such gorgeousness abound! Today I'm showing off one of the newest a la modes, Ski Bunny!

Seriously? Is she not GORGEOUSLY adorable??!! Yes, I know...just sheer beauty and you MUST put her on your list! Swoonnnnnnnn!!

I simply loved inking her up!! I started with my Momento ink in Tuxedo Black - this is my go-to black ink when I know I'll be using my Copics. I then colored her hair and skin with my Copics. I paper pieced her outfit using papers from Pink Paislee - Vintage Vogue 6x6 paper assortment. I then pieced her skis and ski-pole handles. To add extra dimension to her hat I paper pieced the entire hat in the purple paper that you see and then did the front flap in a similar purple paper but that had a bit of a textured design. As a more realistic touch and to add the proper dimension, I stamped and colored an extra set of hands, trimmed them out and added them on with my Quickie Glue pen (a fabulous tip from Joanne!). I know it may seem tedious to do this step but it is SO worth it as the image seems to pop off of the paper with true depth! As a lasting bit of visual interest, I added some Glossy Accents underneath the snow boots of this darling Ski Bunny to look like she's standing on a bit of ice!

I used the die from the Tag You're It combo set. One of my favorite things about MFT's last release is that there are so many Die-namics dies that are now available for purchase separate from their paired stamp set! How cool is that?? Because as you know, you can never have too many Die-namics dies!!

I wanted to back my tag with patterned paper so I adhered my tag down and then carefully trimmed around the edge with my good scissors leaving about an eighth of an inch border showing. I threaded the top with some twill tape that I distressed a bit with my ink blending tool and some Tattered Rose Distress Ink. I added a bit of twine and a tiny SU! button to finish the top of my tag off.

I made a homemade embellishment using my Hearts-A-Plenty Die-namics Die and one of the gorgeous texture stamps from my Well Worn Greetings set, combined with my Versamark Ink, white embossing powder a bit of twine and a button and VOILA!

For my exterior sentiment I used the brand new Mix and Match Banners Die-namics. Oh my is this ever a versatile set!! Go ahead, I'll wait while you jot it down on your must have list! ;) It's divine!!! I did snip apart one of the sentiments (gasp!) that comes with the Ski Bunny set to accommodate my using the four different banner shapes. I put one word on each banner and tucked them all snug under the right hand panel on my card. The paper I used for my banners is from a vintage appliance repair log that I found at an antique store in Maine.

You are totally going to love on this set and you will definitely be seeing it again from me soon! (wink!)

My interior uses the same color scheme and papers as my exterior. I used a large Sizzix label die for my text paper and stamped my Ski Bunny but this time leaving her uncolored as I LOVEEE this look! I used another sentiment from the set and added a self-adhesive cork heart cut using the same Hearts-A-Plenty Die-namic.

Ok friends, that's all for me today!! Don't forget that there are two á la modes previewing today, be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see the other one as well as a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

And, as always, here are the important administrative bits and bobs!! Thanks so much for popping by today! I hope you were inspired, as I always am by the amazing MFT products!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Fabulous MFT goodies used in my creation today: